Politics
Cabinet travels 'to moon and back'
Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Teenui-Mapumai MP Norman George touched on subjects from cabinet’s travel to what party he really belongs to in his address on the Cook Islands’ political landscape at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference last week.
Lawyer learns seabed mining
Monday 26 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Young Cook Islands lawyer Alexandrya Herman has been chosen for a regional programme which trains legal minds into the best seabed mining lawyers around.
Government pays maternity leave
Friday 23 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The first ever national paid maternity leave scheme in the Cook Islands will come into effect from January 1 next year.
Financial loss for Crown Law
Friday 23 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The Crown Law Office reported a loss of $7555 for the June 30, 2010 financial year, says the Audit Office.
$2.5 trillion in bribes the norm
Thursday 22 November 2012 | Published in Politics
In the developed world it’s hard to get parliamentarians to talk about corruption as people like to pretend there is none.
Local observers for foreign boats
Thursday 22 November 2012 | Published in Politics
New Zealand member of parliament Nick Smith “strongly encourages” other governments to have local observers on foreign fishing vessels to make sure the law is not being broken.
Fuel consolidation on hold
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The government has decided not to consider consolidating fuel imports for another few years.
Seabed mining trials proposed
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Deep sea mining trials down to 2000 metres are expected to occur in Cooks’ waters within a few years, marine resources secretary Ben Ponia announced at a regional conference.
Make way for the acting deputy PM
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
“Seeing the Minister of Health driving himself to work this morning in a Government pick-up truck flanked by two police motorcycle outriders complete with red and blue flashing lights, just brings home again the incredible arrogance of the CIP,” a smoke signaller writes. “Not only does this minister, along with his colleagues, spend ridiculous amounts of money and time travelling overseas, and achieving absolutely nothing of benefit for this country, but whenever they are back here for a short R & R to catch their breath and count up their AirPoints, they resort to this sort of pompous display which is little short of breathtaking. A one-term government? You bet!! And before you mouth off Mr Minister, why don’t you get some decent health care facilities into Pukapuka?”
'When things go wrong, they go very wrong'
Wednesday 21 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A New Zealand parliamentarian used his own “depressing” Rena experience to give a strong warning on dealing with disaster to his fellow Pacific parliamentarians at a regional conference in Rarotonga yesterday.
PM Puna's absence deemed 'appalling'
Tuesday 20 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen believes Cabinet’s lack of presence during the biggest annual gathering of Commonwealth parliamentary members could affect the Cooks’ international relations.
Opposition: Power discounts 'deceptive'
Tuesday 20 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen has hit back at the prime minister’s Friday public statement that power company Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has cut power charges by five percent, saying these claims are just a public relations spin that misleads the public.
Proper animal care urged
Tuesday 20 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The temperature is rising in the Cook Islands and the Esther Honey Foundation wants to remind everyone of the minimum requirements to keep animals healthy and comfortable.
Opposition suspicious of 'treating'
Monday 19 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Opposition leader Wilkie Rasmussen warns the government must be careful they are not seen to be illegally “treating” when offering to put Mangaia’s water needs before other outer islands.
New diploma in human rights
Monday 19 November 2012 | Published in Politics
A new course at the University of the South Pacific will provide training and a recognised qualification in leadership, governance and human rights for people throughout the Pacific region.
Mama Tuki pushes rights for disabled
Saturday 17 November 2012 | Published in Politics
The Cook Islands is far more advanced in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability compared to neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region.
5% power discount announced
Saturday 17 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Following heated debate in parliament last week on the high cost of power, the government yesterday announced a 5 percent discount for promptly paid power bills.
Puna to PNG
Saturday 17 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Prime Minister Henry Puna is taking a government delegation to Port Moresby next week to strengthen bilateral ties with the Papua New Guinea Government.
Meeting house vandalised
Saturday 17 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Unchecked vandalism and lack of community care have caused the Turangi meeting house to fall into disrepair.
Govt seeks public input on Budget
Friday 16 November 2012 | Published in Politics
Members of the public can have a say in the 2013-14 national budget, according to finance minister Mark Brown.